MANIC STREET PREACHERS Futurology

Futurology proves that 28 years on, the Manic Street Preachers definitely still have it. This 12th album from James Dean Bradfield, Nicky Wire and Sean Moore, is a mixed bag – 40% of old MSP and 60% modern MSP. Featuring a wealth of intricate instrumentals and catchy choruses to showcase their pure talent, as well as the talent of many other Welsh artists, Between The Clock And The Bed (featuring Green Gartside) and Black Square come the closest to recreating the genius of their earlier hit singles.

8/10 – Nicole Gallagher

BRIGHT LIGHT BRIGHT LIGHT This Is Easy

London-based Welshman Rod Thomas, returns after his critically acclaimed 2012 debut album Make Me Believe In Hope. His brand of clean and clear synthpop is evident here as he sings of love and loss but with a glimmer of optimism. I Wish We Were Leaving is a lovely, heartbreaking duet with Sir Elton John, and Happiness, which beautifully closes the album, is another stand-out track. This is pure and simple pop, and after a few listens, the melodies will sneak into your brain.

7/10 – Lisa Allen

MIDGE URE Fragile

The Ultravox frontman’s first solo offering in 12 years has certainly been a long time coming, but boy, was it worth the wait. Personal and at times painfully honest, Ure likens the record to a diary, with each track relating to chapters in the 60 years of his life (for better or worse). It begins optimistically with the triumphant I Survived, and takes in highs and lows along the way, before ending with the title track – an agonising deconstruction of his battle with the bottle. It’s a solo release in the truest sense of the word: Ure wrote, performed, mixed and produced almost every track himself. Only a very few numbers rely on outside help – most notably Dark, Dark Night, which boasts beats by none other than Moby.

8/10 – Rob Lavender